In August 2019, New Balance enlisted Japanese clothing brand Beams+ for their take on the 996. The sneaker takes on a dual-colored scheme split in suede and leather to mimic the outward appearance of traditional saddle shoes. Tone-on-tone 'N' patches, exaggerated eyelets and waxed laces reaffirm the polished styling. Metallic co-branding surfaces on the insole. A blacked-out Encap midsole and rubber outsole finish the design.